When you hear the words, "Salvation Army," you usually think of the thrift store, food bank, homeless people or community workers. What you do not hear often is that Salvation Army Stillwater offers an after-school program for children who are in kindergarten through 12th grade.

When I did my research, I was astounded that they offer this service to parents who cannot afford a daycare or other after-school program. Salvation Army provides transportation from certain schools to the Salvation Army.

I was introduced to Salvation Army After School Program when I went looking for job and volunteer positions. I started as a volunteer in the after-school program; within a couple months, I wanted to work for the Salvation Army so I could be making a difference in the children's lives.

In Stillwater, the Salvation Army provides the after-school program Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3-5:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, they hold youth church right after the program from 6-7 p.m. On Thursdays, they hold music and dance classes from 6-7 p.m.

When the children arrive from school, they immediately sign in, grab a snack and participate what we call "power hour." This is time for them to participate in educational games, flashcards or do homework. Employees and volunteers are there to assist in these activities, especially homework.

After power hour, there is a devotional where the children learn about God. Following devotion, the children play with various activities laid out for them to choose from. From 5-5:30 p.m. the children will eat dinner, which the Salvation Army provides, as they wait for their parents to pick them up.

This program is free and is dedicated to the parents who experience financial stress. This allows the children to interact with other backgrounds and make new friends outside of their school. This program has given me a different perspective of the Salvation Army and the children I get to influence and inspire every day.

Along with the after-school program in Stillwater, Salvation Army provides the program in Ripley, Oklahoma, as well. The only difference is that dinner is not provided. We only make it to Ripley on Mondays and Fridays.

If you are in need of this resource Salvation Army Contact Info is listed below. I hope this inspires you to get involve with your community so that you can impact the lives of so many.

Salvation Army Stillwater, OK:

1101 South Lowry Stillwater Telephone: 405.372.1554 Email: johnathan.flowers@uss.salvationarmy.org